The incident involved two aircraft belonging to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), known colloquially as the Tamil Tigers, which attempted to execute a kamikaze-style attack on the Sri Lankan Air Force headquarters. These aircraft were packed with C4 explosives, emphasizing the desperation and aggression of the Tamil Tigers as they sought to inflict significant damage on the government military's command structure. The Sri Lankan military, having anticipated such tactics, successfully intercepted and shot down both planes before they could reach their target. The operation showcased the capabilities and readiness of the Sri Lankan forces during the escalating conflict.

This incident occurred against the backdrop of the final stages of the Sri Lankan Civil War, which had raged since the early 1980s. The military was transitioning to a more offensive strategy, making substantial advancements on the ground against Tamil-controlled territories. The downing of the aircraft represented not only a tactical victory for the government but also underscored the increasing risks the Tamil Tigers were willing to take as their position weakened.

The event highlighted both the military ingenuity of the Tamil Tigers and the capabilities of the Sri Lankan armed forces. The interception of the aircraft was widely publicized and contributed to the perception that the government was regaining control and momentum in the conflict. This incident was part of a broader trend where both sides sought to leverage air power and new military strategies in an effort to claim decisive victories in a lengthy and brutal war.